The Nashville Police Department is proud to announce that the spring session of the Citizen Police Academy will begin Tuesday, March 17, at the West Precinct. Nashvillians interested in learning about the inner workings and law enforcement strategies of their police department are cordially invited to apply for this free 11-week course. It will be the 45th session since the CPA began in 1995.
Classes will be held on Tuesday nights from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. through May 26 in the community room of the West Precinct, 5500 Charlotte Pike. Because class size is limited, interested persons are urged to apply now. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. March 6.
Participants will learn about police work through the perspective of a variety of guest speakers, including members of the police department’s specialized components. Topics will include gangs, narcotics enforcement, domestic violence, traffic/DUI enforcement, internet crimes, emergency preparedness, crime prevention and the judicial process. There will be a tour of the Emergency Communications Center and a demonstration by the Aviation, Canine and Mounted Units. Members of the class will also have an opportunity to ride with an on-duty officer.
“The Citizen Police Academy is absolutely the best way to learn the most about the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and its many components,” Chief Steve Anderson said. “Folks from all neighborhoods are cordially invited.”
Each applicant should commit to attending at least 9 of the 11 sessions, be a Davidson County resident/business owner at least 21years old, and have no arrest record (excluding minor traffic violations). While completion of the course gives citizens an understanding of the workings of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, it does not make a participant a certified law enforcement officer, nor is it designed to train citizens to perform law enforcement duties.